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Has anyone modelled the Iris 1 & 2 test units? (and other modelling of test units discussion)

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Peter C

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Hello :)
I've been trying to work out what I want to do with some coaches I've been given and during my research (alright - that's a bit steep; it was me reading a magazine last night), I came across Iris 1 & 2, and other associated units. For those who hadn't heard of them before, there's a really good page about them here: http://www.traintesting.com/iris1&2.htm
My main interest here is the Iris 2 unit (number 901002). It's based off of a Class 101 (2-car) unit, and is currently in service on the Barry Tourist Railway (in normal times, of course). It looks to be in fairly standard Class 101 condition as far as the exterior goes (apart from the vents near the inner ends of each coach), which seems to make it a good candidate for being modelled in some form.

Here's a photo of Iris 2, at Dunster on the WSR, 2008:
1614352607718.png
(c) Dave Coxon, found on http://www.traintesting.com/iris1&2.htm

As you can see, it's a fairly simple affair, and that's kind of what interests me the most as it means making a model of it would be easier than, say, Iris 1. Has anyone already made a model of Iris 2 (or any other test unit/train)? I expect people will have done at some point. I'd like to make a model of Iris 2 at some point and it would be interesting to see how others have done it. I've done a bit of looking on the interwebs, but couldn't find anything.

Thanks,

-Peter
 
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Cowley

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Unfortunately no Peter although I did used to see it up at the WSR regularly.
I was just looking through my old Model Rail magazines because I’m sure that I used to have one which had an article on converting a Lima 101 quite a few years ago. Can’t seem to find it though but I might have given it to a friend.
 

Peter C

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Unfortunately no Peter although I did used to see it up at the WSR regularly.
I was just looking through my old Model Rail magazines because I’m sure that I used to have one which had an article on converting a Lima 101 quite a few years ago. Can’t seem to find it though but I might have given it to a friend.
Thanks for the response @Cowley - I assumed you might have some connection to the topic ;)
I'd never thought of doing a version of this using a Lima 101 (to be honest I never knew they existed!). I'll have a look through the interwebs and see what I can find: thanks for looking.

-Peter
 

Cowley

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Thanks for the response @Cowley - I assumed you might have some connection to the topic ;)
I'd never thought of doing a version of this using a Lima 101 (to be honest I never knew they existed!). I'll have a look through the interwebs and see what I can find: thanks for looking.

-Peter

No worries. The Lima 101 was actually a pretty decent model, plus they were very easy to add extra detail to.
I had a Regional Railways (I think) one that I sprayed BR blue and detailed. It was my main DMU until it was usurped by a Bachmann 108. ;)
 

Peter C

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No worries. The Lima 101 was actually a pretty decent model, plus they were very easy to add extra detail to.
I had a Regional Railways (I think) one that I sprayed BR blue and detailed. It was my main DMU until it was usurped by a Bachmann 108. ;)
Ah cool - I've been surfing on the Interwebs and they do seem to be good models. I was originally thinking of maybe using a Triang Class 101 (or whatever it is) to make a Class 901 (Iris II) but the Lima one looks easier and better to work with.

-Peter
 

Peter C

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This is quite interesting...

It is! I'd seen this: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/lima-class-101-dmu-lab19-iris-ii-247628615
When on my travels through the web but not that one you've linked to. Was it made by Lima or is that a conversion I wonder? It looks to be quite well-done.

-Peter

EDIT: Just seen the description, which says it's a respray. :)
 
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